Some, including high rise residents, question parking loss on Hamline

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Parking would be lost for a bike lane taking up 10 feet; proponents say north/south bike connection is needed

By JANE MCCLURE

Hamline Ave. could be restriped with bike lanes between University and Minnehaha avenues as soon as this fall. A future phase of the project could extend the lanes north to Pierce Butler Rte.

Many bicyclists welcome the idea of bike lanes, saying it will provide a needed north-south route through the area. Other project supporters contend it would make Hamline traffic slow down and promote pedestrian safety.

Hamline Ave. Parking meetingPhotos left: A group of residents and other interested parties attended the open house on May 26 to have the opportunity to help shape the future and safety of Hamline Ave. The City of St. Paul Department of Public Works held the public forum to discuss and explain proposed improvements to Hamline Ave. The work being proposed involves removing and replacing the top layer of pavement and updating all non-ADA Haline Ave. Parking meeting 2compliant pedestrian ramps. This route is also identified in the Citywide Bike Plan, and the City is proposing to install on-street bicycle lanes, which would require removal of on-street parking from one side of the street. (Photos by Kyle Mianulli)

But some avid cyclists disagree, saying it wouldn’t be safe. Business owners and residents, including many in the Hamline Hi-Rise, worry about the loss of on-street parking. They note that existing on-street parking bans in the surrounding area, coupled with spillover parking from schools and events, already create a parking crunch at certain times. But St. Paul Department of Public Works staff, using a recent study, counters that many of the parking spots are underutilized and that there would be enough parking remaining even with a bike lane.

Dozens of people filled a meeting room May 26 at Sejong Academy, 1330 Blair Ave., to discuss the project with city staff. Bike lanes and new pedestrian curb ramps would be installed as part of a mill and overlay project. It would also involve removing parking from one side of Hamline between University and Minnehaha.

Hamline Ave. has been eyed as a bike route before. Past efforts have been shelved due to opposition about parking loss and safety. It was identified in the citywide bicycle plan as a key bike route, which the City Council adopted in 2015.

Luke Hanson, Public Works project manager, said plans for Hamline between University and Minnehaha call for two five-foot bike lanes, an eight-foot parking lane on one side of the street, an 11-foot travel lane in each direction and parking bans at all four corners of Charles Ave.

Hanson noted that while Hamline north of Minnehaha isn’t part of the 2016 project, it makes sense to discuss the project extending north. A northern connection would extend to a bike/pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks and additional routes. But because Hamline is narrower north of Minnehaha, it would mean banning parking on both sides of the street.

Public Works is hearing a mixed reaction to the project, Hanson said. “We want to hear from as many people as possible.” While Public Works cannot address every concern raised, he said city staff will do what it can.

Many area residents support the proposal, saying a lot of parking along Hamline is infrequently used. They contend that bike lanes will not only help cyclists get to and through the area, but the lanes could also help slow motor vehicle traffic.

David Rudolph lives on Blair Ave. and is a year-round cyclist. “I ride in this area every day,” he said, adding that rush hour periods can be busy and hazardous for bicyclists.

His children attend school near the north end of the route, and his daughter likes to bike to school. “It would be fantastic to have bike lanes for her,” Rudolph said.

Other cyclists from around the city said they’d use Hamline more as a north-south route if it had lane markings. Brian Martinson, a Macalester-Groveland resident and cyclist, said he’d use bike lanes if they were on Hamline.

Martinson said the bike lanes would indicate that motorists need to share the road with bikes. “I ride where I have to ride,” he said. While experienced cyclists like him ride in mixed traffic, lanes would be a benefit and an attraction for more riders to travel Hamline.

Others said they are worried about the loss of parking. Jim Lovold is president of the hi-rise residents’ council. “Our concern is parking for our caregivers,” he said. The 17-story building has about 180 residents who are disabled or elderly. The parking lot has 55 spaces. Lovold and fellow council member Margaret Gilbert said caregivers already must park on-street and will have to walk longer distances.

“Some days the parking is very tight,” Gilbert said.

Other Hamline Ave. residents have little or no off-street parking, and in a few places, no alleys. Residents said they struggle to park near their homes and worry about having to carry groceries or other items long distances.

Petitions against the project are at locations including Grand Paws at Hamline and Thomas and Fields of Hair at Minnehaha and Thomas. Beth Jackson, who operates a home day care on Hamline, said it’s troubling that no business owners were talked to about the proposal.

Hamline Midway Coalition has posted studies about the project and a survey. Go to www.hamlinemidway.org/hamlineave.

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